Because
health systems are conceptualized as social systems
, embedded in social contexts and shaped by human agency, values are a key factor in health system change.
Health indicators have been used to assess the level of development in a society. It is also used as a measure of chance of survival in human societies
. This is why health is a social value both at the individual and collective levels.
Rather,
health systems are core social institutions
. They function at the interface between people and the structures of power that shape their broader society. Neglect, abuse and exclusion by the health system is part of the very experience of being poor.
Social determinants of health include factors like
socioeconomic status, education, neighborhood and physical environment, employment, and social support networks, as well as access to health care
.
What does the healthcare system do?
A health system, also known as health care system or healthcare system, is the organization of people, institutions, and resources that
deliver health care services to meet the health needs of target populations
.
Social values may be defined as
the public’s preferences for the distribution of healthcare among populations
. [23] They consider factors/characteristics of patients and the effects of interventions on their health (i.e. health gain).
How is health and health care a sociological issue?
Society’s inequities along social class, race and ethnicity, and gender lines are reproduced in our health and health care
. People from disadvantaged social backgrounds are more likely to become ill, and once they do become ill, inadequate health care makes it more difficult for them to become well.
• WHO Definition: “ Health is
a state of complete physical, mental
.
and social wellbeing and not merely an absence of disease or
.
infirmity and the ability to lead a socially and economically
.
productive life
”.
Social Health is a term that refers to
the ways in which people create healthy and positive interpersonal relationships with one another
. Having good social health helps people improve their emotional wellbeing and feel supported in their daily lives.
What is the role of a healthcare institution in the society?
The institution of medicine is responsible for
defining and treating physical and mental illnesses among members of a society
. The goal of a society’s medical establishment is to promote health, the total well-being of its people. The nature of both health and medicine in a given society are culturally determined.
Good access to surgical specialists
. Rehabilitation services and physical therapy. Home nursing services. Mental health care.
How important are the health institutions in our society?
The goal of public health is to improve health outcomes for populations through the achievement of the objectives of preventing disease and the health consequences of environmental hazards and natural or man-made disasters; promoting behaviors that reduce the risk of communicable and non-communicable diseases and …
- Economic Stability.
- Education Access and Quality.
- Health Care Access and Quality.
- Neighborhood and Built Environment.
- Social and Community Context.
Income
is perhaps the most important social determinant of health. Level of income shapes overall living conditions, affects psychological functioning and influences health-related behaviours such as quality of diet, extent of physical activity, smoking and excessive alcohol use.
- Income level.
- Educational opportunities.
- Occupation, employment status, and workplace safety.
- Gender inequity.
- Racial segregation.
- Food insecurity and inaccessibility of nutritious food choices.
- Access to housing and utility services.
Why do we need healthcare system?
Health systems have played a part in the dramatic rise in life expectancy that occurred during the 20th century.
They have contributed enormously to better health and influenced the lives and well-being of billions of men, women and children around the world
. Their role has become increasingly important.
Why is it important to understand the healthcare system?
Policymakers believe that integrating separate health care organizations into health systems will
improve the coordination, quality, and efficiency of care
. Studies assessing health system performance have found inconsistent outcomes regarding cost, quality, and patient experience.
What is healthcare and healthcare system?
The health system comprises all organizations, institutions and resources that produce ac- tions whose primary purpose is to improve health
(1). The health care system refers to the institutions, people and resources involved in delivering health care to individuals.
Values are central to work in health and social care.
They are principles that guide workers to understand right from wrong and are about what is important when caring and supporting individuals
.
Again, according to Thomson et al, morals and morality refer to
the domain of personal values and the rules of behaviour regulating social intercourse
.
Individuality –
Each person has their own identity, needs, wishes, choices, beliefs and values
. ‘One size fits all’ does not work when it comes to providing care and support.
Health Care Access is an extensive social problem
that affects many. urban communities today. Expenses for health care keep growing each year, which affects the income of most Americans.
the functionalist perspective emphasizes that
good health and effective medical care are essential for a society’s ability to function
. Ill health impairs our ability to perform our roles in society, and if too many people are unhealthy, society’s functioning and stability suffer.
Disparities in healthcare among poor Americans are amplified by
substandard care, poor housing and deteriorated environments
. Poorer Americans are more likely to be impacted by accidents, violence, drug overdoses, suicide and smoking as well.
Social determinants of health such as
poverty, unequal access to health care, lack of education, stigma, and racism
are underlying, contributing factors of health inequities. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is committed to achieving improvements in people’s lives by reducing health inequities.
What is health short essay?
Essay on Health:
Health was earlier said to be the ability of the body functioning well
. However, as time evolved, the definition of health also evolved. It cannot be stressed enough that health is the primary thing after which everything else follows. When you maintain good health, everything else falls into place.
